Randy Lee Anderson, 68, of Ottumwa, died January 18, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
He was born February 24, 1957 in Anamosa, IA to Ernest Duane and Norma Henrichsen Anderson. He married his childhood sweetheart, Suzanne Marie Petersen May 26, 1979.
A graduate of Midland Community High School, in Wyoming, IA, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated with degrees in communication and journalism from The University of Northern Iowa. Randy worked as the news and sports director at KCHA in Charles City before moving to Ottumwa where he worked as the news and sports director for KBIZ and KTVO for three years. He worked for Indian Hills Community College for 29 years, working in video production, marketing, public relations and retiring from the printing department in 2017. In his retirement, he helped his wife, working at Hospice House.
In his early years in Ottumwa, Randy coached junior high track and junior high basketball at Cardinal Schools. He was also a coach for his kids sporting events and always enjoyed running. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and Iowa Hawkeye fan. In the past few years, he and his wife especially enjoyed traveling to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Suzie; their three children, Alaina Marie (Adam) Whitt of California, Scott Lee (Angela) Anderson of Nebraska and Betsy Louise (Matthew) Brodersen of Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Jackson, Ava, Olivia, Aurora, Anderson Charles, Zeke and Amelia; a brother, Jim (Karen) Anderson of Monticello; sisters-in-law, Sandra Bauer, Sharon Campbell, Shirley Kemp, Shiela Petersen, Sharece (Bill) Klimek, Sharla (Linn) Ries and Shalain (Mark) Sisco; as well as many nieces and nephews; and his two dogs, Dash and Winnie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Bernice Petersen; brothers-in-law, Tom Bauer, Charlie Campbell and Tom Kemp; and Randy’s favorite dog, Chloe.
Visitation will be open after 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21st at Reece Funeral Home with his family present to greet friends from 11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, January 22nd at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Please wear your favorite St. Louis Cardinals or Hawkeye attire in memory of Randy. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society or the family, to be designated at a later date.
